Meet the Owners
Our Story
Bill and Janeen McLean, longtime residents of South Florida, sold their Ketchikan, Alaska restaurant in 2022 after six adventurous summers and relocated to their second home in Ellijay, GA. A year later, unable to resist the call of hospitality, they undertook a 3-month renovation of the former Pietro’s on the River, now The Nest, located in Island Dunes Country Club on South Hutchinson Island.
Bill, who spent 25 years fishing the St. Lucie River on many weekends—often with Janeen asking, “Where are all the fish?”—always loved the area. Now, they’ve channeled that love of the Treasure Coast into creating an elevated dining destination.
Through hands-on management, fine-tuning their culinary vision, and building a passionate team, they’ve transformed The Nest into a welcoming, fine dining restaurant and casual bar offering exceptional food and service. Set against stunning sunset views on the mile-wide St. Lucie River, The Nest delivers a memorable sensory and dining experience.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Come join them!
Our Kitchen
Comically & ironically, we've realized after doing this for many years, it isn't always about the highest-paid acclaimed person in the kitchen with an extensive pedigree needed to create amazing dishes. We've learned to elevate from within and to our surprise, we have a super-creative and motivated individual who's doing everything right in our kitchen.
Chef Oren Keith has been around for many years flying under the radar in the tri-country area, and we are blessed having him in the culinary driver's seat doing what he does best.
Visit Us
We invite you to come and experience the unique charm of our restaurant. Whether you are a regular guest or visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you and making your time with us delightful and memorable.